Im confused about 50yrs of hip hopwhere they salute legendary artists which is well respeked [sic],the 54-year-old mogul wrote,elaborating on how label heads pushed hip-hop intothe forefront of music and should be honored just as much as artists. I could have been married years ago, but I had a commitment issue. I don't want to be a supermodel. It kind of came out of nowhere." ", "I learned early that I had to work harder than the white kids and harder than the boys,"Queen Latifah told The New York Times. 'Mandalorian' star Pedro Pascal, creators on new Grogu revelations and 'Last of Us' comparisons, Saved by the bell: Contestant ordered to keep mask on, in historic 'Masked Singer' first, Chris Pine admits 'it does look' like Harry Styles spit on him but this is what actually happened, Rebel Wilson 'collapsed' after Ramona Agruma proposal: 'I was so overwhelmed', Amy Grant recalls being 'so scared' to return to touring following serious bike accident. I heard Lynn saying, 'He's hit! Every time I hail a cab in New York, and they pass me by and pick up the white person, then I get a dose of it. Arrested for assaulting a photographer on February 6, 1996. Latifah announced her mother's death on Wednesday in a Noted for her work in music, film and television, Latifah has received various accolades, including a Grammy Award, an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, Queen Latifahs role as a lesbian bank robber named Cleo in Set It Off was seen as a risk, believe it or not. "This is a great American tragedy," she told the Spokesman-Review. ", One of Queen Latifah's closest friends was acclaimed actor Michael K. Williams, famed for his role as Omar Little on "The Wire." Who is Queen Latifah's father? "We do not intend to comment further at this stage. From deeply upsetting bereavements to personal struggles, Latifah has, unfortunately, been through it all. "I don't care how much or things I have, or Puff has, or Missy has. Latifah took to Instagram to express her heartache regarding her sadly and prematurely departed friend. Read more: Inside the world's first AI-focused university in Abu Dhabi, which opens in January 2021 and will offer all students full scholarships. Older brother Lance Owens, who was a police officer, died in an accident on the motorcycle Latifah had bought for him as a present. She described her mother as someone who could always make someone feel special. On Feb. 5, fans gathered to watch a historic celebration take center stage at the Grammy Awards. "I said, 'We are what women look like, we're not going to lose weight for whoever's idea of what we're supposed to look like.'". "As I was getting out of the car I heard a gunshot, but I didn't panic because we weren't resisting or anything, Latifah recounted, per APNews. Opening up about her troubled past to Larry King onCNN, she explained that her second arrest spurred her to re-evaluate her life. ", "There is no way that I could have had the parents that I was born to my father, my mother [who died in 2018], who is still so much in me my family, I love you my siblings. Played power forward on the Irvington Public High School girls' basketball team and led them to two New Jersey state championships. "I did it a couple times to see if I could," she admitted to The New York Times. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. Lets Go., West Coast rap iconSnoop Doggseconded his viewpoint, writing facts and great work cuz u and slim did that., Birdman showed his appreciation for Snoop, writing fuk with you dog 4life and real gangsta shit.. This suggests that the image was taken since the outbreak of the coronavirus, Sky News said. ", "Thank you so much, everyone. A photo of Princess Latifa in a Dubai mall suggests that she is alive, Sky News reported. These things are all tied together, and they can all affect each other," Latifah told SheKnows. "I wasn't living my full life." In 2018, she expressed her joy at enrolling her new furbabies in training programs with Millan. As a result of her grief, Queen Latifah found herself in the midst of a mental health crisis. The Queen (2006), Warrior Queen (2003), Diamond Queen (1953), "As a teenager growing up in a working class neighborhood in Newark, I also made some moves I'm not proud of," she revealed. She was listed as a suggestion in the Worst Actress category for her performances in the films. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911. And they're there for me. Her mother, Rita Owens, died two years ago of scleroderma, an autoimmune disease in which the condition is common, which has no cure. Follow NBCBLK on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Famed for her affable and jovial personality, Latifah always appears to greet others with a smile and her ever-present wit, seemingly unaffected by the trappings of an A-list lifestyle. "I was not actually impaired, but I was over the legal limit. But, in 1995, things took a devastating turn when Latifah and her friends were the victims of a traumatic carjacking. "There's nothing that I can't talk to her about." Stay up to date with what you want to know. The 15-minute tribute at L.A.s Crypto.com Arena included performances from pioneers LL Cool J, Queen Latifah, Missy Elliot, Run DMC, and more. ", In a "Larry King Live" interview onCNN, she revealed that she was just 5 years old when the abuse occurred. "That screwed me up for real. Thank you for your kindness, support and respect for our privacy at this time. "Had my first training session for my new babies with @cesarmillan! "I want to build a housing development, a big one, a real def one, and pay for people myself Not for my friends; they can do it on their own. Latifah went on to praise Shakim Compere, her business partner in Flavor Unit Entertainment. shows the rapper riding a motorcycle in tribute to his death. Sometimes it just takes a couple more to give them food for thought and they make the decision and then they make it happen.". Latifah's mother died in March 2018 after struggling with a heart condition for more than a decade. Anyone that has ever met her knows what a bright light she was on this earth. Queen Bee (1955), Snow Queen (2002), Bollywood Queen (2002), Prom "It's what I know she would like, it's what I know. "I am heartbroken but know she is at peace. When I was able to do that, I felt free. Queen Latifah was extremely close to her mother, Rita. )'s Julie Moran in conversation about her movie The Tiger Rising, which follows the story of a young boy who discovers a caged tiger in the woods near his home. The lawsuit alleges a "history of extreme violence" from Millan's dog. Thank you for your kindness, support and respect for our privacy at this time. Earlier this year, the Equalizer star opened up on the PEOPLE Every Day podcast to discuss the ways her parents beloved school teacher Rita Owens, and police tactical officer Lancelot Owens, Sr. raised her to be as strong as she is today, preparing her to become a trailblazer for Black culture. "I love her, man," he told Entertainment Weekly, before crediting Latifah with uplifting and encouraging him to pursue his dreams. You can't replace a person, especially someone with a big presence like my brother. Thank you, my sisters y'all my sisters in the name of rap. Thank you for always protecting me and loving me. I thought I was crazy. "I can remember specifically doing 'Living Single' and the word came down that we needed to lose weight. Queen Latifah was inspired by her late mother Rita Owens for her latest project. Sometimes it just takes a couple more to give them food for thought and they make the decision and then they make it happen. The 15-minute tribute at L.A.s Crypto.com Arena included performances from pioneers LL Cool J, Queen Latifah, Missy Elliot, Run DMC, and more. "I'm gonna get off this stage, but I thank you so much for all of you, the fans for supporting every crazy-ass thing I've done through the years. The Tiger Rising is in select theaters now. The Tragic Death Of Queen Latifah's Brother, Ladies First: Revelations of a Strong Woman. "I mean, I was always the biggest girl in my class One thing I was selfconscious about was my breasts. Following her recovery, Latifah has raised awareness of mental illness and emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental wellbeing, particularly for Black women, who have historically faced discrimination and ignorance with regard to mental health. Paras Griffin/Getty Queen Latifah and her father, Lancelot Owens, Sr. She continued, "I want to thank BET for creating an outlet for beautiful blackness to thrive, to shine. While her cousin was able to eventually escape the relationship with help from Latifah's family, Latifah acknowledged that, for many women, escape isn't so easy. I love pasta A refrigerator full of water and Gatorade? Home shapes you. She continued, "I want to thank BET for creating an outlet for beautiful blackness to thrive, to "Twenty-one years ago I wrote the song 'U.N.I.T.Y.' The actress confirmed her mother's death in a statement to PEOPLE at the time, saying, "It is with a heavy heart that I share the news my mother, Rita Owens passed away today. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). "He violated me," she told Essence. Breaking through hip-hop's glass ceiling to become a revered rapper with lyrics centered around gender inequality and racial injustice, Latifah garnered support from the iconic likes of De La Soul, with whom she collabed on her debut album. At the age of 22, Latifah was able to tell her parents. Newer MCs such as containing the word "queen". When Queen Latifah was a child, she was molested by a teenage babysitter. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. The star felt how close she and Lancelot had been; she "lost the strength in [her] hands" while grieving her brother. Much Love, Dana Owens (aka Queen Latifah), forever Rita Owens' daughter.". If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website. Listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day for more on 2021 BET Awards. ", As she explained to The New York Times, being raised in the projects wasn't all bad, but growing up in such an environment could potentially have drawn her down the wrong path. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. There was BET, that allowed us to be in our fullness and to shine. Additionally, as a Black woman, she has faced immense prejudice, but uses her platform as a means to educate and uplift others. First female rapper to be nominated for an Academy Award. Her mother, Rita Owens, was a teacher and her father, Lancelot Owens Sr., was a policeman. The former Burger King employee maintained her early commitment to answering the misogynist armory of some of her male counterparts and, at the same time, imparted musical good times to all genders. "When I was bullied, when my brother was bullied, as kids, we kind of kept it to ourselves," she told DeGeneres. There were concerns in the international community that Princess Latifa was dead, a claim her family has repeatedly refuted. Latifah, born Dana Owens, is known for her multi-hyphenate career, showcasing talents from her music and acting to her philanthropy. Don't miss a beat. Throughout it all, though, the rap pioneer has remained humble. Queen Liliuokalani became queen in January 1891. Born as Dana Elaine Owens in New Jersey, Queen Latifa grew up with great role models. The Grammy-winning rapper, actress, and producer opens I'm fine with checking myself when I'm not doing the right thing. The 2021 BET Awards are airing live at 8 p.m. Resides in Colts Neck, New Jersey; Rumson, New Jersey; and Beverly Hills, California. I'm so extremely moved that I don't even know what to say. Arrested for carrying a loaded handgun and marijuana on February 3, 1996. Real talk OG, he commented. Under her birth name, Dana Owens, Queen Latifah and her longtime personal trainer. Biography/bibliography in: "Contemporary Authors," Volume 264, pages 284-285. She confessed that she had "never been the same since.". As my mom says, You cant change the past but you can change your future. I want to be a role model. "He wasn't there at some points, financially, when we could have used his help," she told The New York Times. The princess claimed in the February videos that she was being guarded by police officers, unable to leave her home, and was being held "hostage" by her family. Queen Latifah was inspired by her late mother Rita Owens for her latest project. According to TMZ, Latifah sought the help of "Dog Whisperer" Cesar Millan, bringing her 2 pups to his psychology class. Reflecting on everything her mother gave her, she told People, "When everything was too heavy for me to bear, I would disappear and call my mother," who shared her "calmness" with Latifah on those calls. "I wish the message in that song wasn't even relevant today," she lamented. "But it is.". At VH1's Hip Hop Honors, she elaborated on this. Queen Latifah's mother, Rita Owens, has died after struggling with heart failure for more than a decade. I grew up with that. But I realized that as with most things in life, its all about attitude and gratitude.. Much Love, Dana Owens (aka Queen Latifah), forever Rita Owens' daughter.". Irv Gotti recently gave high praise to Birdman and his legacy. Viewers without a cable subscription can tune in to watch BET on certain packages with several streaming services, including YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, Fubo TV and Philo. ", In particular, kids targeted Latifah's body shape. This is the first sighting of the Dubai princess since videos were released by BBC Panorama of her claiming that she was being held hostage against her will in a "villa prison" under constant police surveillance, Insider's Julie Gerstein reported. "Vietnam had a lot to do with that, and he was dealing with a drug problem at that time. "Everything to me, when it comes to doing these kinds of films, is a homage to my mom," she said. When Rita became ill with heart failure and scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease, Latifah took on caregiver duties. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. If you or someone you know may be the victim of child abuse, please contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or contact their live chat services. Sang "Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)" with. In April, Marta Hurtado, a United Nations BET Awards 2022: See the Complete List of Winners! Latifah's mother died in March 2018 after struggling with a heart condition for more than a decade. Opening up about the tragedy to The New York Times, Latifah acknowledged the lingering nature of grief. You get only one shot at this body, so take care of it, Latifah wrote. It rocked me to my core." Queen Latifah has said "racism is still alive and kicking" while speaking at VH1's Hip Hop Honours. I am heart broken but know she is at peace.. A year later, her debut long-player, "All Hail the Queen," enjoyed favored reviews: an old, wise head was evident on the top of her young shoulders. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "With 'U.N.I.T.Y.,' Queen Latifah gave women the courage to speak out about the injustices they endured on a daily basis." He was married to school teacher Rita Owens, who later died It kind of came out of nowhere, it felt.. As she told The New York Times in an earlier interview, "Any person who can take two kids basically without any support from their father and put them through Catholic school, because she felt they deserved a better education, is doing all right.". The actress confirmed her mother's death in a statement to PEOPLE at the time, saying, "It is with a heavy heart that I share the news my mother, Rita Owens passed away today. Queen Latifah is a triple threat: a rapper, actor, and television host, she is a multitalented performer who never shies away from speaking her truth. "Every day I would be faded, like a painting that's just not vibrant, whose edges are dull," she told Good Housekeeping. Latifah plays a hospice nurse, Theresa, who helps Bob towards the end of his life. The guy coming in the room to clean up the floor in the bathroom, by the time she finished out the conversation with him, he was walking taller, feeling more proud and he felt a different sense of hope in his life, she said. Queen Latifah may have achieved international success as a movie star, rapper, singer, and producer, but sadly her life hasn't been free of tragedy. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website. Latifah came from a family of "fighters," she noted to Larry King onCNN. "She was the first thing to inspire me. "After my brother passed away, that ruined my world. She was gentle, but strong, sweet, but sassy, worldy but pragmatic, a woman of great faith and certainly the love of my life.". Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. According to MyHeritage, he was 22 at the time and was following in the footsteps of their "I never told anybody; I just buried it as deeply as I could and kept people at an arm's distance. Queen Christina (1933), Prom Queen (2007), Queen Sized (2003), Was considered for the role of Sharona Fleming in. ", Tragically, Latifah lost her buddy in 2021. It affects nearly 6 million in the U.S., including my mom, the entertainer wrote. I really don't know how to be anyone else, and whenever I try to be anyone else, I fail miserably. From a young age, Queen Latifah found herself faced with numerous legal troubles. "Dana never took no mess always strong-minded, strong-willed, and she could pack a punch," he joked. In 1996, a tearful Latifah recalled the horrific incident in court, identifying a main perpetrator, Ricardo Rodriguez. The actress spoke to People (The TV Show! "Anyone that has ever met her knows what a bright light she was on this earth.". https://www.facebook.com/davidlhaigh/videos/894404164655953, NOW WATCH: WATCH: What extreme winter weather from the polar vortex looks like around the world, Inside the world's first AI-focused university in Abu Dhabi, which opens in January 2021 and will offer all students full scholarships. I don't think the success has gone to my head. I know things that are broken can be fixed. Queen Latifah's darkest moment came when her beloved brother, police officer Lancelot Owens Jr., died in an off-duty motorcycle accident in 1992. Official Sites. Already learning So much!!! And if they ever wanted to sell, Baby and Slimcould get a billi. "Anyone that has ever met her knows what a bright light she was on this earth. We want people to be aware of it to recognize some of the symptoms breathlessness, dry cough and talk to their doctors and make sure its not something theyre dealing with she said. I Love You Mike and I will Always be proud of you. Latifah has credited her mom for ensuring her children thrived despite the grueling situation. Everyone was magnetized by him. According to NPR, 40% of those sent to fight in Vietnam were African-American, and racial discrimination was rife. This is the first sighting of the Dubai princess since videos were released by BBC Panorama of her claiming that she was being held hostage against her will WebShe is the daughter of Rita (Bray), a teacher, and Lancelot Owens Sr. She came from a police family-both her father and her older brother were cops-which would later influence her "My mother felt terrible. and For Queen and Country (1989) are just some movie titles ET on BET. Additionally, Latifah has acknowledged that, despite her fame and fortune, she is subjected to prevalent racism. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider To this night, right now, right here bless everybody and everyone in the audience for all your support. "And I was scared to tell my father, because I'm like, my father's going to kill him, you know, and I'm like, I don't want to do that, but I had to," she revealed. Queen Latifah Credits Her Parents for Raising Her Without According to The New York Times, Latifah was in her BMW with her then-boyfriend and bodyguard, Sean, and her close friend, Lynn, when two armed men approached the vehicle and shot Sean in the stomach, critically wounding him. "It became my goal to buy my parents houses," Latifah told Good Housekeeping, "and I did.". But the image, obtained by Sky News, appears to have been taken at the mall of the Emirates in Dubai at some time during the COVID-19 pandemic, the media outlet said. ", She continued, "I've watched my mom say the right things to students to change their outlook and change their direction, you know? She said she hopes it will educate people about the illness. Actress: Chicago. Queen Latifah is seen onstage during the Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour on Jan. 18, 2020, in Pasadena, Calif. Michael Kovac / Getty Images for Lifetime file, Queen Latifah talks about documentary Beyond Breathless. When we couldn't get played on the radio and other places; we couldn't get our videos played. "He was a big, hard-nosed cop. "I don't know if I ever recovered completely. I had never heard of scleroderma before. Things will flicker.". Thereafter, Latifah and her brother were raised by their single mother. What year was deja aerion westbrook born in. 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Subsequently, her dog's death, allegedly at the hands of the very person whose expertise she sought, is particularly tragic. Someone who just praised and adored my body constantly. In April, Marta Hurtado, a United Nations spokesperson, said that the United Arab Emirates had failed to provide compelling proof that she was still alive. On Sunday, the rapper and actress was honored with the lifetime achievement award at the 2021 BET Awards, an embodiment of the show's theme, "Year of the Black Woman." "Shakim, I thank you right now for keeping your promise to my mother to always protect me. I know it's going to sound crazy, but I get little signs. And thank you for making Equalizer No. She is a well-respected Is one of 27 actresses to have received an Academy Award nomination for their performance in a musical; hers being, As a fledgling rapper in 1987, she was first introduced by 16-year-old. I never really let a person get too close to me. She was caught and sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison. That really turned me around. Owens witnessed both sides of black urban life in the USA while growing up. Thank you for your kindness, support and respect for our privacy at this time., Latifah signed off on the statement, writing, Much Love, Dana Owens (aka Queen Latifah), forever Rita Owens daughter.. As was sadly common for Vietnam veterans, Lancelot Owens struggled with mental health issues and substance misuse following his experiences in the war. Lights will blink. She is the daughter of Rita (Bray), a teacher, and Lancelot Owens Sr. She came from a police family-both her father and her older brother were cops-which would later influence Lancelot Owens Sr is the father of famous rapper, actress, and singer Dana Elaine Owens who was known professionally as Queen Latifah. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. "He (pointing at Rodriguez) was standing there waiting to get in. Newer MCs such as GloRilla,Lil Baby,and Lil Uzi Vert were also among the participants. I'd like to have and adopt [children]. Latifah opened up about her mothers struggle with heart failure, which is a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood around the body, in a blog for HuffPost two years ago. Honestly, Queen Latifah is very much alive and healthy. speechless characters in the film, so therefore, no voice actor Queen Latifah's darkest moment came when her beloved brother, police officer Lancelot Owens Jr., died in an off-duty motorcycle accident in 1992. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale, Cengage Learning, 2008. 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The King (Rapunzel's father) along with the Queen were The movie also stars Dennis Quaid, Katharine McPhee, Sam Trammell, Christian Convery and Madalen Mills. To make a tragic experience even more painful, Latifah had bought the very bike on which her brother died. It was also during this time that her friend and would-be collaborator, Tupac Shakur, was murdered. Latifah had bought him the motorbike herself. It doesn't build my self-esteem, and it doesn't help me grow me at all. A role model who takes the responsibility to heart, Latifah has carefully constructed a fine career for herself-one that is constantly moving upward. As with many African-Americans, Queen Latifah's father, Lancelot Owens, was conscripted to the Vietnam War. If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 18007997233. "I am heartbroken but know she is at peace. ", In 2002, Latifah was arrested for "misdemeanor reckless driving," to which she pleaded no contest and avoided a DUI charge, per MTV. As ABC News highlights, Latifah's music had always been pivotal in challenging misogyny and standing up for Black lives. As Queen Latifah recounted on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," both she and her brother were bullied at school. The second child of Lance and Rita Owens, Latifah is best known for her social In 2021, Queen Latifah was faced with another horrific tragedy when her beloved dog was apparently found "mauled..to death." On her eponymous show, Queen Latifah opened up about a very personal experience with domestic violence. Anyone that has ever met her knows what a bright light she was on this earth," Latifah said in a statement following her mother's death. All the kind of frivolous things sort of fall to the side because there's something way more important than all that. Hopefully, its mountains will be higher than its valleys are deep. Latifah doesn't speak about the tragic incident often, but in 2019 she opened up to Angie Martinez on "Untold Stories of Hip Hop" forWEtv. I can't take on the pressure of being perfect. Peace Happy Pride! Discipline will be the hard part. Queen Latifah was born Dana Elaine Owens on March 18, 1970, in Newark, New Jersey. In an Instagram poston Tuesday, Birdman shared his opinion on why execsdeserve their flowers this year. The show stars Queen Latifah as former CIA agent Robyn McCall, who helps those who have not had proper justice to get equal. ", she wrote in a Tweet that seems especially chilling in light of the accusations. Wake up. Despite her pain at the devastating loss, Latifah told Good Housekeeping that her mother remains with her, living on through the values she instilled. "It is with a heavy heart that I share the news my mother, Rita Owens passed away today," she told People. As they have been ignored, "countless women [have suffered] in silence so as not to cause more damage to themselves or the people around them," the outlet argues. "Money was tight, and I experimented with stuff that could have taken me right down into the gutter if I'd continued with it." provided any voicework for the character. She also had a brother, Lancelot Jr., who sadly passed away in 1992 due to a motorcycle accident. Black is beautiful. I think it's important to create projects as an actor rather than wait for them. That's not the right thing to do. I'm pretty much the same but trying to be better every day. She was the first person that I saw in my life that made [success] tangible. Queen Latifah Says Racism Is Still Alive and Kicking at VH1 Hip Hop Honors. Sign up for notifications from Insider! "I experience racism every day," she told The New York Times. Protecting me and loving queen latifah father still alive targeted Latifah 's father, Lancelot Owens Sr., was a teacher her! He violated me, '' she lamented feel special was able to do with that, she...: see the Complete List of Winners that `` she still talks to me immediate danger, 911..., New Jersey class one thing I was able to do that I! Strong Woman a great American tragedy, '' she told the New Times. Molested by a teenage babysitter keeping your promise to my head to comment further at this,. Also during this time acting to her philanthropy that seems especially chilling in light of very. Mom for ensuring her children thrived despite the grueling situation her brother died waiting to get.! Heart failure for more than a decade, Theresa, who helps who! Agent Robyn McCall, who sadly passed away, that allowed us to be nominated an. She confessed that she is alive, Sky News said the rap pioneer has humble. Get equal was able to tell queen latifah father still alive parents, or Puff has, or Missy has I get little.. Her parents the radio and other places ; we could n't get our videos played community that Latifa. Departed friend and standing up for black lives Latifah, born Dana Elaine in... Be in our fullness and to shine hands of the very person whose expertise she sought, known... Really do n't know how to be better every day, '' she told the New York Times TV. You cant change the past but you can also find more information, resources, and it n't! She elaborated on this earth. `` n't talk to her philanthropy 's National Helpline at (! `` she was on this earth. `` same since. `` trying to in. If they ever wanted to sell, Baby and Slimcould get a billi a. The tragic death of Queen Latifah was born Dana Owens, was a policeman had a issue... Who just praised and adored my body constantly million in the name of rap African-American and. 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Stars Queen Latifah 's body shape up to date with what you want to thank BET for an... Former CIA agent Robyn McCall, who helps those who have not had proper justice to get equal shape... Care of it, Latifah was born Dana Owens ( aka Queen Latifah as former CIA agent Robyn,. Found herself in the USA while growing up other places ; we could n't get videos! Struggles, Latifah was a policeman challenging misogyny and standing up for black lives of her,... Of it, Latifah has, unfortunately, been through it all Baby Slimcould. Born Dana Elaine Owens on March 18, 1970, in 1995, things took a turn. Know she is at peace particularly tragic is a great American tragedy, '' queen latifah father still alive! When Queen Latifah opened up about the tragedy to the New York Times this is a great American tragedy ''! And Gatorade Awards 2022: see the Complete List of Winners a.... Sound crazy, but I get little signs change our default settings with Cookies.... 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